Supply Chain

Recently, I had an experience that shook my faith in SCM (supply-chain management) and made me think that the concept might just occupy the same space as CRM, ERP, and other big software categories that I lump under TDW (Things that Don't Work) or perhaps TRLC (Things that Require Lots of Consultants), or maybe HLF (High Likelihood of Failure).

Recently, I had an experience that shook my faith in SCM (supply-chain management) and made me think that the concept might just occupy the same space as CRM, ERP, and other big software categories that I lump under TDW (Things that Don't Work) or perhaps TRLC (Things that Require Lots of Consultants), or maybe HLF (High Likelihood of Failure).

The desire to boost efficiency, standardize processes and cut costs in its supply chain led the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to launch its largest IT project to date

Grid computing captured imaginations by creating Net-based virtual supercomputers out of hundreds of thousands of existing computers.

SAS Institute Inc. is expanding its line of business intelligence software in a bid to help users apply in-depth analytics to their supply chain processes

These are the days of doing more with less. Companies are increasingly asking their CIOs to assume additional responsibilities. James D. Nikolai, CIO of Jefferies & Co., was recently appointed as chief administrative officer. Nikolai will still spearhead technology initiatives at the New York City-based investment bank (where Jeff Bezos worked before starting Amazon.com). Now he will also lead the company's clearing, execution and securities lending businesses.

Enterprise software maker J.D. Edwards & Co. released Monday supply chain event management (SCEM) enhancements to its real-time production and distribution planning (PDP) application.

The supply chain, vaunted source of cost control, risk reduction and nimble performance, is mismanaged by most companies, according to global business consulting firm Bain & Company, headquartered in Boston.